Jasprit Bumrah and Paras Mhambrey. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images and Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey has shed light on the significance of workload management in cricket, particularly emphasizing the absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the Indian team.
Bumrah, who is considered India’s most valuable bowler across all formats, has been out of action since September 2022 due to a stress fracture in his lower back. As a result, India felt the void left by his absence in the T20 World Cup down under, World Test Championship final, and during other high-profile clashes.
In light of Bumrah’s absence, Mhambrey has identified Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar as a valuable addition to India’s Test pace attack. While Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Bumrah are the preferred choices when fit, Mhambrey believes that grooming Mukesh will enhance India’s depth in the pace department.
“This is my opportunity to work with him (Mukesh) and create bench strength. We have Siraj now, who is bowling well, and to supplement him, we have Shami and Bumrah. However, we need to go beyond that and create bench strength. It is a good opportunity for Mukesh to interact with the senior bowlers and learn from them,” said Mhambrey to reporters as quoted by Sportskeeda after India’s win in Dominica Test.
Mhambrey expressed the need for discussions regarding rotation and player management to build a strong bench strength, given the relentless schedule of cricket India has been exposed to in recent times.
He stated, “If we look at the last 1-1.5 years, Bumrah is one player we missed a lot. As of now, there haven’t been any discussions on who will play white ball and who will play red ball, but going forward, we have to give breaks to individual bowlers. The moment we give a break to a bowler, we can bring another one, which will create bench strength.”
There are positive developments regarding Bumrah’s return to the Indian team, with reports suggesting that he may be back in action during the T20Is in Ireland in August. If it happens then that series will be crucial for him, as it will serve as preparation leading up to the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.
Indian team recognises the value of workload management and the need to nurture new talent to strengthen the squad. With the impending return of Bumrah and the coaching staff’s efforts to create bench strength, India aim to bolster their bowling line-up and maintain great performances across formats.